The Guide to American Airlines Flagship Business Plus

As part of American Airlines’ revamp of its long-haul, international fleet in the coming years, the carrier will eliminate its Flagship First cabin on Boeing 777 and Airbus A321T planes. This coincides with the introduction of a new fare called Flagship Business Plus, which comes with some first class-style benefits on top of the standard Flagship Business Class experience.

Here is how to buy it and what you can expect from the new American Flagship Business Plus fare.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

What flights offer Flagship Business Plus?

Flagship Business Plus fares are only available on Boeing 777-200, 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. You will find these planes flying mostly on long-haul international flights.

Airport perks

Customers booking Flagship Business Class Plus fares receive several additional benefits at the airport that aren't available to those purchasing a standard Flagship Business fare.

• Access to Flagship First check-in areas in airports that offer it.

• Third complimentary checked bag.

• Access to Flagship First Dining areas in Flagship Lounges that offer them.

The standard business class benefits are also available, including access to priority check-in areas and Admirals Clubs on the day of the international departure.

While these perks have their advantages, if you're a AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Oneworld Emerald member, you already receive a complimentary third checked bag. Further, Concierge Key members already receive all of these perks as part of their membership.

» Learn more: Guide to American Airlines elite status

Onboard perks

You won’t experience anything different in the air than what Flagship Business class passengers receive.

It has the same beverage and meal service, amenity kits and airport perks (like lounge access to Admirals Clubs or Flagship Lounges and priority check-in and boarding). The main difference is at the airport before the flight.

How to book an American Airlines Flagship Business Plus

American Airlines Flagship Business Plus fares aren't available on every flight, but when they are available, the fare will appear on aa.com when booking a flight.

If available, it will likely be listed as a "Premier" class. On flights that have Flagship First class, the Flagship Business Plus option won't be offered.

» Learn more: The complete guide to American Airlines AAdvantage

Is Flagship Business Plus worth it?

Flagship Business Plus fares tend to run $400-500 more than the standard Flagship Business price.

Before forking over for this fare class, you’ll want to consider if you are already eligible for the benefits that come with this ticket. If so, why pay extra when you can get it based on your status?

You can also pay for the features you want separately for roughly $350.

• A single visit pass to the Flagship Lounge costs $150 or 15,000 miles, but this wouldn't give you access to Flagship First Dining. However, there are only Flagship Dining options in Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth, not at the other Flagship Lounges in Los Angeles and Chicago-O’Hare. Also, with the exception of London-Heathrow, these Flagship Lounges and First Class check-in areas are only in the U.S. This means most of the benefits would apply on an outbound flight from the U.S. and have no use on your return flight to the U.S.

• If you want to check a third bag, it would cost $200 on an international itinerary.

Purchasing a bundled upsell may not be worth it. You’ll want to consider the cost of the perks independently versus the higher bundled fare to see what makes the most sense for you.

» Learn more: The complete guide to redeeming American Airlines miles

American Airlines Flagship Business Plus recapped

Flagship Business Plus fares aren't the best value since you can buy many of the benefits separately. The only perks you receive with this fare that you cannot buy are Flagship First check-in and Flagship First Dining, and some travelers may get access to these benefits by having elite status.

For everyone else, the Flagship Business Plus fare is an option for those who want some extra perks at the airport.